Houston Dash hire Tony DiCicco in a consulting role

The Houston Dash have hired former U.S. women’s team head coach Tony DiCicco as a consultant, the club announced today.

DiCicco, 65, will assist Dash managing director Brian Ching and team president Chris Canetti in their search for a head coach and help build a roster for the team’s inaugural season through an expansion draft (date TBD) and the NWSL College Draft on Jan. 17.

“I am excited about the opportunity to consult for the Houston Dash and work with Chris Canetti and Brian Ching while they interview for a coach and build a roster,” said DiCicco. “The Dash are creating an excellent situation for players to train and play and I have been very impressed with how the Houston Dynamo organization is behind the Dash playing in the NWSL.”

The Wethersfield, Conn., native was head coach of the U.S. women’s national team from 1994-1999, leading the team to a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics and winning the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup. He compiled a 103-8-8 record during his time at the helm, giving him the most wins in national team history.

He also led the U.S. U-20 women’s national team to a championship at the 2008 FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup and coached the Boston Breakers from 2009-2011 in the now-defunct Women’s Professional Soccer. DiCicco was inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012.

“We are very excited to have Tony on board to help us through this process,” said Ching. “When you think of women's soccer at the highest levels there are very few, if any, that have as much experience or success as Tony.”